We stayed a whole week in Marrakech this summer, in a beautiful riad “Dar Shariq“. After visiting all main attractions we decided it was time to relax. And where is the best luxury place to relax there? La Mamounia, of course!

La Mamounia is a grand dame of Marrakech, a true institution in the city. Originally a riad built by Sultan Ben Abdellah in 18th century, it is now a five-star hotel with 209 rooms, a Spa, several fine dining restaurants and surrounded by magnificent gardens. It has been renovated the last time by Jacques Garcia and re-opened in 2009.

Entrance

For external guests, the hotel proposes a Pass Détente, a Day Pass giving access to all facilities with a 60-minute Spa massage (or hammam) and a lunch at The Pavilion, the pool restaurant. This is the gift I offered to my parents and my companion during our stay in Marrakech, and believe me it worth the expense!

Spa Treatment

We started our Day Pass experience at La Mamounia with a 60-minute argan oil massage in the beautiful basement Spa. The manager was very kind, explaining carefully how the treatment was going to be and sharing few words about the hotel history while bringing us to the relaxation area.

Spa – Relaxation room

My partner and I were taken to the treatment room, a cozy double cabin with shower and jacuzzi. Nothing amazing on the room decor, though. Then the massage started from head to toe and that was soooo relaxing! The local therapists we had were very professional and with a great dexterity; I’m convinced there is a great training team behind. At the end of the treatment, they proposed us to move to the jacuzzi for a 10-min unexpected session which was a perfect conclusion.

Spa – Waiting area

Regarding Spa’s common areas, I was impressed by Jacques Garcia’s job especially on the waiting area and the entrance atmosphere. A true gem, this is a place that really worth the detour.

Lunch at The Pavilion

After our Spa massage, we smoothly went to the pool restaurant – The Pavilion – for lunch. This place is truly stunning, particularly when you are enjoying a perfect sunny day with blue sky.

View over outdoor pool from The Pavilion

Tables were all placed outside, along the pool with a cooling system based on pulsed droplets. Absolutely comfortable by the way, we didn’t feel how hot the weather was!

The Pavilion – Starter

Staff was proactive with a high attention to detail. They brought us the menu dedicated to Day Pass guests and gave some recommendations. Few words about that menu: it’s a kind of room-service-like menu, with Club Sandwich, pastas, grilled meat or fish, salads and dessert (some by Pierre Hermé!). Our pass allowed us to choose a starter, a main dish and a dessert, so I went for a tomato mozzarella, a chicken Club Sandwich and a Monticello ice-cream.

The Pavilion – Dessert

We all appreciated our dishes, even if my Club Sandwich was not the best ever (overcooked and made with a basic bread, like in supermarket). Just a small negative point.

Indoor & Outdoor Pools

Taking a rest after our lunch, we went to the in-cre-di-ble indoor pool, certainly the best I ever seen, with its intimate ambience and arabic design. Warm water, beautiful atmosphere, what else did we need??

Spa – Indoor pool

The indoor wet area contains also a gorgeous jacuzzi for 8-10 people (we were alone) made of mosaics and traditional pillars. La Mamounia really deserves its five stars with this place only, definitely.

Spa – Indoor jacuzzi

On the other hand, outdoor pool is not to be missed. Large, crystal clear water and surrounded by plenty of sun loungers, managed by an efficient team of attendants. They help for the parasol installation, bring towels and ice water. The place was always clean during our day there.

Outdoor pool

I advise to take a lounger on the grass, allowing to tan and be refreshed at once, as well as being apart from the rest of the “crowd”. Ideal to enjoy a book or publish some contents on Facebook :)

La Mamounia Gardens

Finally, to achieve our wonderful journey at La Mamounia, we decided to visit the property’s gardens. After all, they are pretty famous (many movies were filmed there) and everyone knows them in the city, even people who never entered there.

Backyard gardens

Let me say they are huge, well maintained and separated by wide alleys. My feeling is that they are divided into typologies: a palm grove, an olive grove, orange trees, a kitchen garden, etc. Impressive and so colorful, a destination in itself.

Olive grove

In the middle of this nature you will find a pavilion where refreshments can be served during day time. Go for it if you need a complete out-of-the-world moment.

Complimentary tennis courts

In gardens are also localized some tennis courts and an extra-large fitness center, in addition to the one in basement Spa. Nice to have, and their access is also complimentary for Day Pass guests.

Conclusion

Far any luxury lover staying in Marrakech, I definitely recommend to enjoy a Day Pass at La Mamounia. It provides an enchanted parenthesis in this turbulent city, a superb five-star cocoon with a gorgeous Spa and delicious food. Go for it!

Gallery

Entrance

Entrance

Lobby

Lobby

Lobby

Interior courtyard

Access to Grand Salon

Spa – Indoor pool

Spa – Indoor jacuzzi

Spa – Indoor pool

Spa – Waiting area

Spa – Relaxation room

Spa – Fitness center

Interior courtyard

Outdoor pool with The Pavilion in background

Outdoor pool

View over private riads from outdoor pool

Private riads

Gardens

Gardens

Gardens

Gardens

Gardens

Visitor in gardens

Visited on August 15th – Unsponsored media visit.

La Mamounia opened in 1925, has been refurbished recently in 2009 and is now composed of 209 rooms and suites. External guests can enjoy a Day Pass, inclusive of 60-min Spa treatment and lunch at The Pavilion, for 1,600 MAD/person.

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My name is Francois Le Hecho, I am the founder and main contributor of The Luxe Insider. Together with my travel mate and few more writers worldwide, we highlight what the luxury travel & lifestyle industry has the best to offer.